Summer is the season for sneaking in time at your favorite spots. Ever wonder where HB instructors are when they’re not in the saddle? We asked seven instructors to share the places they love to linger come warmer weather. Here, their favorite places—from seaside spots in Boston to special locations halfway across the country.

Eve Morocco

“Barking Crab in the seaport!!! So fun to sit on the water and get a yummy lobster roll.”

Sarah Maguire

“The Tiki Bar at The Ocean House, down the street from our cape house in Dennis Port, MA. It is perched high up, overlooking the beach and ocean; has a killer drink list; a delicious raw bar; and live music on the weekends!”

Elisa Petersen

“Lake Michigan in Northern Michigan. It’s a really magical place. The lake is so big it’s like the ocean, only fresh water. The beach is gorgeous, the sand is white, it’s really good for the soul.”

Jessica Fracalossi

“Amory Park just outside of Audobon Circle in Brookline. The huge grass field, tennis courts, and beautiful homes lining the park make it such a peaceful place to spend dewey summer mornings, or sunny afternoons with a blanket and an iced coffee.”

Matthew Uzenski

“My favorite spot during the summer is Loco in Southie on Mondays for $1 oysters. I hit up Loco for a dozen oysters, guac, and a Miller High Life with my friend Rob.”

Julie Moody

“Plymouth Beach (or ‘The Point’) is my favorite beach to spend my days at. It is a gorgeous beach and also filled with memories from my entire life. “

Charlie Finnigan

“Granite Links/Crossing Nines: beautiful view of the city, live music, driving range, great cocktails, and you can see the most incredible sunset. Very relaxing spot!”

]]>https://handlebarcycling.me/2017/07/31/instructors-favorite-summer-spots/feed/0beach picjbashelorOff The Bike Beatshttps://handlebarcycling.me/2017/07/18/off-the-bike-beats/
https://handlebarcycling.me/2017/07/18/off-the-bike-beats/#respondTue, 18 Jul 2017 12:00:38 +0000http://handlebarcycling.me/?p=3592]]>Fresh beats might fuel us through a 45-minute session in the saddle, but what do HB instructors listen to off the bike? We asked instructors and staff from Southie, Fenway, and Harvard Square to share their favorite artists. Here, what’s in the ear buds when they’re not on the bike.

BRENDON PIRES, INSTRUCTOR

Cartel

“I’m a Pop Punk fan through and through. I played guitar and sang in bands for several years in high school and college and that was my music of choice—high energy, melodic, and fun. I could get lost in it and take my mind off of my problems; mostly girls. They were also great for teaching myself to play guitar—all hail the power chord. I can listen to them at anytime and feel nostalgic and energized; great for getting the day started or while I’m running. The album Cycles is song for song one of their best and just a solid album all around. It’s all killer no filler as they say.”

Post Malone

“In my older age, I’ve really been enjoying artists and music with more of an R&B vibe—music that’s soulful and maybe a little slow with heavy beats. I really like the Post Malone album Stoney. It reminds me a lot of The Weeknd’s Trilogy, which I also love.”

Kehlani

“The album SweetSexySavage is also on rotation. I think she’s amazing. Her lyrics are pretty blunt, but she’s raw and a great singer. She’s got this subtle rasp in her voice; it’s really lovely. She’s also a badass and I love the beats on the album.”

JILL DILIBERO, HB HSQ DESK STAFF

“My favorite artists are kind of across the board. I have headphones in nearly 24/7 and what I’m listening to is a direct reflection of what I’m doing. When I’m at work, I like a lot of mellow music: it’s a lot of Father John Misty, Leon Bridges, the 1975, or whatever is on my ‘Discover Weekly.’”

“When I’m running around Boston, I almost always have Frank Ocean, Anderson Paak, or Chance the Rapper playing, all of whom can put an extra spring in my step. Also, Vince Staples and Kendrick Lamar have been on every workout playlist I’ve ever created because I feel powerful when I listen to them.”

DANELLE OLSON, MANAGER AND INSTRUCTOR FENWAY STUDIO

Florence + The Machine

“She’s incredibly talented, and has a magical presence live…I’ve seen her four times, on every tour she’s been on. Her music varies in sounds, emotions, and feelings, so she easily fits in to whatever mood I might be in. All the feels, all the time. I try find any excuse to play her on the bike too.”

KELLY DUBOWSKI, FENWAY DESK STAFF

Joshua Radin

“He sings and plays the guitar with a heart of gold. He has a serenading voice that can soothe any bad day or even help get your day started.”

Dave Matthews Band

“They are one of my all time favorites. I could play those guitar jams all day long. I listen to them walking to work or just grinding getting school work done.”

JESSICA FRACALOSSI, HANDLE BAR OWNER

Bon Iver

“His music is dreamy and takes me to another place! His songs are like a misty summer morning when the fog is thick and all you can hear is the sound of your own footsteps and the trickle of distant running water. The lyrics are poetic and figurative so they seem to be relatable to anything/everyone. While I wouldn’t play his music in spin class, I definitely listen to it to get inspired.”

MORGAN LOPRESTI, HSQ DESK STAFF

Rascal Flatts

“Off the bike, I listen to country music which is a total switch from the pop music when on the bike! Their music makes me feel inspired. Each song has its own message that is relatable to everyday situations. I usually listen on the commute to work to get some inspiration for the day.”

SARAH COPPINGER, INSTRUCTOR AND DIRECTOR OF MARKETING

Vince Staples

“His beats get stuck in my head and I get obsessed. I actually do sneak him into my playlists from time to time.”

Frank Ocean

“All. The. Feels.”

Anderson Paak

“He was one of my favorite artists to listen to last year. Still is. But I was crazed about his Malibu album last year.”

Jessie Reyez

“She doesn’t have a ton of music yet but what I’ve heard, I’m hooked. She’s not afraid to show a little crazy, and that’s why I like her.”

Leon Bridges

“Because River. And everything else he does.”

NATASHA WHITBY, INSTRUCTOR AND MANAGER OF SOUTHIE STUDIO

“I’m a big ol’ sap when it comes to music off the bike. Recently I’ve been loving Lady Gaga, The Cure and Paparazzi (live piano version); Camilla Cabelo, Crying in the Club; Demi Lovato, Stone Cold; Ariana Grande, Everyday. Also low-key love the teeny-boppers like Little Mix and Fifth Harmony (love the songs Touch by Little Mix and The Life by Fifth Harmony). I never play this type of music in my classes. I’m so used to being about high-intensity, loud and outgoing in public, that when I’m listening to music it’s my chance to really feel.”

JESSICA DUHAIME, INSTRUCTOR

Dave Matthews Band

“My older brother took me to their concert at Madison Square Garden when I was 16 years old, and I’ve been in love ever since. The talented artists in the band play numerous individual instruments that blend beautifully together to create incredible, dynamic melodies, and I am always fascinated when seeing and hearing it unfold live on a stage. When a DMB song comes on I feel pure happiness and good vibes because I’m instantly reminded of the wonderful times shared with friends at their concerts.”

CHELSEA CARACCIOLO, SOUTHIE DESK STAFF

The Chainsmokers

“The Chainsmokers’ debut album has hit after hit to which I have found myself listening to on Spotify on repeat. I have to give a shout out to Sarah Maguire who did a ChainsmokerS album release ride that left me wanting to listen to their songs 24/7. The songs have great beats and also have lyrics with some deep meaning (especially if you are going through a break up/major life change).”

Old Dominion

“Now that the weather is getting nicer, I always need a little country music in my life. Old Dominion instantly puts me in a good mood and is definitely a group that I like to listen to on the beach, on a run, or blasting it in the car.”

ASHLEY WAGNER, INSTRUCTOR

Harry Styles

“Don’t write this one off right away if you aren’t into boy bands. It has way more depth than his 1D days. It isn’t great spin music (I have tried) but it is great driving/working music. and if you weren’t already in love with Harry, you will be, I promise.”

Betty Who

“Tons of spin and non-spin tunes. Actually I like all of her songs. I haven’t found one I don’t like yet.”

Chance the Rapper

“All around fantastic.”

]]>https://handlebarcycling.me/2017/07/18/off-the-bike-beats/feed/0Screen Shot 2017-07-10 at 9.35.43 PMjbashelorHandle Bar Instructors’ Favorite Skincare Productshttps://handlebarcycling.me/2017/06/02/handle-bar-instructors-favorite-skincare-products/
https://handlebarcycling.me/2017/06/02/handle-bar-instructors-favorite-skincare-products/#respondFri, 02 Jun 2017 12:00:46 +0000http://handlebarcycling.me/?p=3566]]>Serious amounts of sweat call for a *serious* skincare routine. Here, HB instructors—who are no strangers to two- and sometimes three-a-day sessions on the saddle—share how they clean up before, after, and in between classes. Pick up their fave products to give your skin (and hair!) a little TLC.

Skoah Waterless Cleanser
“It’s perfect when I’m on the go between classes. It cleanses my skin without drying it out, smells refreshing, and doesn’t even require water—just a cotton swab to swipe it around your face and neck.”

Good Wipes Body Wipes
“Great for between classes when I don’t have time to shower. These are full body wipes to keep you fresh and clean on the go!”

GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer
“I love this product after a long day of teaching! It leaves my skin feeling totally refreshed and spotless after sweating for hours. Along with moisturizing your face, it leaves your skin feeling tighter, more lifted, and energized.”

Eminence Strawberry Rhubarb Hyaluronic Serum“I apply this serum after I cleanse my skin at night and then I apply a moisturizer over it. Hyaluronic acid is super hydrating for the skin and helps to plump and firm. It’s like liquid gold!”

Mineral SPF 30 Face Sunscreen Lotion
“I love this product because it is mineral-based, free of harsh chemicals, and feels incredibly light and velvety when applied. This product is also animal cruelty-free and coral reef friendly!”

Together we raised over $1,400 for NAMI – The National Alliance on Mental Illness. Every bike was adorned with an interesting fact about mental health, riders and staff discussed the movement and celebrated the notion of its positive impact!

We collected words of support and encouragement for individuals in the Adult Partial Hospital Program at Arbour-HRI Hospital in Brookline. Below is the final version of the artwork, which we delivered to Arbour-HRI, that now hangs in their lobby for clients and guests to appreciate.

Handle Bar riders gave the gift of positivity and support. Dedicated to the Adult Partial Hospital Program at Arbour Hospital – HRI, this post-it note mural now hangs on display in Arbour’s lobby.

We left the event more aware, more open and ready to talk, and one step closer to our goal of decreasing the stigma associated with mental illness.

Following the event, Handle Bar team members and a few riders walked with the Arbour-HRI team at the NAMI Walk at Artesani Park along the Charles River. We are excited to repeat this effort next year and hopefully raise more money, more awareness and garner an even larger turnout!

To show your support and interest in the Handle With Care movement, please visit our website and fill out an online submission to share your story, your perspective, an idea, or just words of encouragement for the team. We are so grateful to all of you who have made this such a successful launch and look forward to future endeavors together all in the name of wellness and mental health. Our next set of Awareness Rides are scheduled for June 12th, 13th, and 14th one ride at each of our studios. More information and registration details are available on our website.

]]>https://handlebarcycling.me/2017/06/01/handle-with-care-launch-recap/feed/0jbashelorezgif.com-video-to-gifIMG_0817 (1)Screen Shot 2017-06-01 at 9.56.27 AMIntroducing HBSummerShare 2017https://handlebarcycling.me/2017/05/08/introducing-hbsummershare-2017/
https://handlebarcycling.me/2017/05/08/introducing-hbsummershare-2017/#respondMon, 08 May 2017 14:15:44 +0000http://handlebarcycling.me/?p=3483]]>There is something about the start of summer, that makes us feel alive. Something warm and familiar, with infinite possibilities. Here at The HB, we have a feeling that 2017 is special. And that this summer is a time for transformation and new beginnings.

Introducing an all new HBSummerShare. 12 weeks of unlimited riding. A season-long competition with strategic gameplay. And one unforgettable summer worth sharing! Oh… and our grand prize rider will win a curated, all inclusive trip for 2 to the Mexican Riviera.

Riders who purchase our HBSummerShare package will enter the competition. The package is valid for unlimited riding from Sunday, June 4th through Saturday, August 26th.

Using their HBSummerShare Gameboard, riders cross off squares as they are completed. There are 10 squares in a given week. Eight ‘Ride Squares’ and Two ‘Experience Squares’.

At the beginning of each week we will unveil a mystery experience square. This is an additional opportunity to earn points.

To cross off an experience square, just capture a photo of the experience on instagram and use the hashtag #HBsummershare.

When you have crossed off 65 squares on your gameboard, you will qualify for the raffle to win the grand prize. For every square over 65 you complete, you will qualify again. (Ex: if you complete 85 squares by the end of the summer, you’ll submit your gameboard and your name will be entered into the raffle 20 times.)

At the end of the competition riders submit their gameboards for fact-checking and raffle entry by The Handle Bar team.

Our winners will be drawn on Labor Day via live instagram video. 4 names will be drawn.. 4 prizes below.

Prizes

A dinner for two and tickets to an evening comedy show at CAPO Restaurant and Supperclub in South Boston

An all expenses paid, 3 night, 4 day trip for 2 to the Mexican Riviera. Our travel agent will contact the winner after the drawing to plan a personalized resort experience.

Fine Print

You must purchase the HBSummerShare package to participate in the challenge.The same policies apply to our HBSummerShare package as our Monthly Unlimited Package: 2 rides/day max, $15 no-show and late cancel penalty.

Ride squares and experience squares have the same value.

You can only cross off one ride square per day. (It is impossible to complete all 8 ride squares in a week)

If you do not have instagram, you can complete experience squares by sending us an email with the photo (info@handlebarcycling.com). If you choose this route, all of your experience submissions must be done via email.

You keep track of your rides and experiences and mark them off on your gameboard. Don’t lose your gameboard! You must submit your gameboard by no later than August 27th to be fact-checked and included in the raffle.

Some blackout dates apply to the vacation prize, but we will ask you to provide 3 dates for our travel agent to choose from, we aim to be as accommodating as possible while planning your resort experience!

]]>https://handlebarcycling.me/2017/05/08/introducing-hbsummershare-2017/feed/0solstice headerjbashelorHBSS GameBoard FINALWe’re Hiring: South Boston Bar Managerhttps://handlebarcycling.me/2017/05/01/were-hiring-south-boston-bar-manager/
https://handlebarcycling.me/2017/05/01/were-hiring-south-boston-bar-manager/#respondMon, 01 May 2017 14:05:07 +0000http://handlebarcycling.me/?p=3454]]>We are looking for a full-time studio manager to run operations, drive sales, and lead the community at our flagship, South Boston location.

As in all startups, each full-time team member wears many hats. This variability requires a versatile, flexible and adventurous candidate. On top of a competitive salary, the right candidate will gain experience in the rapidly expanding fitness industry, with uncapped opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Employer: The Handle Bar

Job Title: South Boston Bar Manager

Commitment: Full-time

Company Description: The Handle Bar is an indoor cycling studio with locations in South Boston, Fenway and Harvard Sq. The studio offers 45 and 60-minute cycling classes that challenge riders to an intense cardio workout. Fresh, energized playlists drive the classes and the culture. The fusion of music, work, and play is evident in every aspect of the brand. When a rider enters The Handle Bar, they are joining a community where self-betterment and enjoyment are as paramount as physical gains.

Job Description: The South Boston Bar Manager position is a critical component within a growing young company. The studio is the most highly trafficked of all HB locations, and seamless management is of utmost importance. Because of the growth and trajectory of our young company, the Bar Manager position is one of limitless opportunity. Initially, the selected candidate will be responsible for all studio operations, staffing, and maintenance of the facility. The 3 location company provides candidates the opportunity to contribute on a broader scale by planning and executing multi-studio events, marketing initiatives, and raising brand awareness. An entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to self-motivate are musts.

The ideal candidate has the following characteristics:

Passionate about The Handle Bar brand, product, and community

Charismatic and confident. Someone who enjoys engaging with riders and forging new relationships

Business minded with the ability to understand the intricacies of the studios from the ground up

Self-aware, the ideal candidate has a comprehensive understanding of his/her own strengths and weaknesses

Responsive to the needs of a team

The ability to network and leverage resources to get sh*t done

Solution oriented. Self motivated. Period.

The ideal candidate will have the following experience:

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Business Major preferred.

To apply, please email your resume to jess@handlebarcycling.com. In addition to your resume please submit a cover letter that includes the following:

Why do you want the position?

What quality of yours will be the most valuable to The Handle Bar?

Of the above qualifications, which items are the biggest ‘reach’ for you? Explain any gaps in your experience and how you could compensate for them.

Desired Compensation

At the bottom of your cover letter please complete the following:

Carefully read the following four sentences and choose two that best describe you. Number them 1 and 2, with #1 describing your most defining characteristics. (There is no right answer here, just be truthful!)

A) You place emphasis on accomplishing results, the bottom line, confidence

B) You place emphasis on influencing or persuading others, openness, relationships

C) You place emphasis on cooperation, sincerity, dependability

D) You place emphasis on quality and accuracy, expertise, competency

Thank you! We will reach out to you directly to schedule an interview if your qualifications match our needs.

Intense, motivated, and tough.. in all the right ways. Ashley Wagner has been a staple on our team since she started at The Handle Bar almost 3 years ago. With a refreshed class schedule just now in effect, Ashley’s giving riders 6 opportunities to catch Ashley in her element. Read on to learn more about this impressive woman and what makes her tick.

Tell us about your fitness background – have you always been active?

I have always been active, I grew up in a very fitness-oriented family (you should meet my sister if you think I am intense). I was a three season athlete in high school and went on to play field hockey in college. Post college I started to focus in on types of fitness that get me outside or into the woods. I am an avid skier, hiker, and really enjoy riding my bike outside. If it’s active I’ll try it.

What is your biggest motivator?

I feel like this is cliché but, the riders at HB. There is nothing more motivating than seeing a room full of people push themselves to the limit. When I see riders working hard it makes me want to work harder for them. It’s this constant give and take but once you get the formula right it is perfection. In that room we really are one team working together to reach our goals.

You’re so adventurous – always outdoors, hiking, biking and enjoying. Tell us about some of these passions – are you a thrill seeker?

I wouldn’t say I am a thrill seeker; I just like to be outside as much as possible. Living in a city I try to make it a top priority to get outside and away from the craziness. I love the physical challenge of hiking up a mountain then getting to sleep at the top. It’s a cool way to explore the world and what your body can really do. Luckily I have HB to keep me in shape so I can keep pushing to that next level!

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

Definitely when I signed up to ride a bike across the country with only 30 miles under my belt. That was a big jump. That was the most incredible trip – I got to explore the country and ride my bike all day. I was in heaven.

What can we find in your gym bag?

Number 1 top priority is snacks. I have a full time job and teach 6 classes a week at HB so Monday-Friday I am usually flying by the seat of my pants. I make sure to have something with me so I can always grab something on the go – it’s usually some sort of bar or an apple, easy and quick. Sunglasses and sunscreen…doesn’t matter if it’s January, you never know when you are going to have a sunny day! A Tide-to-go pen….that one is always a life saver. It’s essential. Headphones. I walk to work and there is no better way to get some pep in your step than some good commuting tunes.

What is your favorite HB memory?

Back when I was a rider at the HB I remember coming to a class where I had had a miserable day. I had broken up with my boyfriend, I had had a few major things fall through and I was feeling really lost. I went into the class wanting an escape and get some endorphins. I was in the back (thank god) because there was one really emotional song where I just lost it. Just riding and crying I am sure the girl next to me thought I was crazy. But then the next song came on and it was a perfect juxtaposition and pulled me right out of that funk and right up that hill. I think I really realized how special The HB was in that class, and also how cathartic a dark room and some heavy hills can be.

Three words to describe yourself, GO!

Excited, enthusiastic, tough!

]]>https://handlebarcycling.me/2017/04/18/q-a-with-ashley-wagner/feed/0ashleyjbashelorashleyIMG_6561Power Through Spring with these Mantrashttps://handlebarcycling.me/2017/04/10/11-mantras-to-power-your-through-spring/
https://handlebarcycling.me/2017/04/10/11-mantras-to-power-your-through-spring/#respondMon, 10 Apr 2017 13:00:32 +0000http://handlebarcycling.me/?p=3265]]>The inspirational words HB instructors are living by this season.

CASSIE SHORTSLEEVE

Spring is all about change and new beginnings — flowers are in bloom, summer’s in sight, shorts weather isn’t far. But let’s be real: It also means fluke winter-y days (read: snow storms) and rain spells.

Enter: these powerful, positive mantras that have been keeping HB instructors on track, upbeat, and motivated this season. Keep these inspirational phrases handy next time you need a lift (and then hit the saddle to sweat out a bad mood).

YOUR PASSION IS YOUR POWER. FOCUS ON WHAT EXCITES YOU. —Lena Rakijian

POSITIVE THOUGHTS CREATE POSITIVE OUTCOMES

“I’ve been going through some health hardships with my family recently. I listened to a podcast last month — and I’ve spoken many times to my classes about this — that [discussed how] a positive, optimistic mind produces enzymes that work positively throughout the body to combat negative things [like sickness, anxiety, and depression]. Similarly, negative thoughts produce negative enzymes that can leave you sick for longer. My mantra lately is: Positive thoughts create positive outcomes. During my classes, I’ll have my riders finish my sentence: ‘Positive thoughts create what, Fenway?’. —Matthew LaPierre

BE AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT IN YOUR LIFE

“I have been making a conscious effort to take the lead when things I don’t like come up, rather than sitting back and letting life come to me. It is important to make the effort to be the driving force rather than a passenger. I think the HB is a great place to practice this for the real world. [You can] find what it is that day that will keep you one step ahead (like an extra little push though a sprint or one extra turn to the right up a hill). HB gets the ball rolling so you can keep that power and confidence and take it back to the real world.” —Ashley Wagner

BE HERE NOW

“I love the quote, ‘Be here now.’ I try to incorporate it into my classes, particularly when we are doing something challenging. So often, I find myself thinking about the past or the future when I’m going through something difficult. By thinking about the past or future, I make the present experience even more difficult. I tell my classes, ‘Be here now, be in this room, on this bike, and focus on the music.’” —Margaret Harrison

EXPECT GREAT THINGS

“On my mirror, I have a few things that I like to think about each day. That’s one of them.”—Matthew Uzenski

YOU CAN CHANGE

“If you don’t like where you are, then change it. You’re not a tree.” —Eve Morocco

STEP INTO YOUR POWER

“Whenever I doubt myself or start to think negative thoughts, I just repeat these four words to snap myself out of it. I often say this in class before a big sprint or climb to get people out of their heads.” – Raisa Hoffman

WANT THE STRUGGLE

“I’ve been reading the book The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck, and have taken the following from that read, which I’ve been reminding myself of a lot lately: ‘If you want the reward you have to want the struggle to get there too. Who you are is defined by what you’re willing to struggle for.’” —Elise Petersen Memmo

WHEN YOU CAN’T FIND THE SUNSHINE, BE THE SUNSHINE

“With the crazy rainy New England weather and spring and summer around the corner, I’m all about finding the good in even the worst situations.” —Jess DuHaime

EMBRACE CHANGE

“‘Embrace change’ is a mantra I am living by lately. The way I think about it, there are two outcomes that come from change: a positive outcome or a negative outcome that you can use to improve and try again. This can be used big picture (a career change or moving cities) or on a much smaller scale (introducing yourself to someone you wouldn’t typically gravitate toward, picking up a heavier weight, or getting up an hour earlier). The possibilities for improvement are endless as long as you get over the fear of failure.” —Candice Peak

GROW THROUGH WHAT YOU GO THROUGH

—Jessica Fracalossi

]]>https://handlebarcycling.me/2017/04/10/11-mantras-to-power-your-through-spring/feed/0Screen Shot 2016-05-24 at 11.41.32 AMjbashelorOur Community: Why we ridehttps://handlebarcycling.me/2017/04/03/our-community-why-we-ride/
https://handlebarcycling.me/2017/04/03/our-community-why-we-ride/#respondMon, 03 Apr 2017 19:29:58 +0000http://handlebarcycling.me/?p=3384]]>The world is so busy these days, it can be tough to sync up with one friend’s schedule on a regular basis, let alone FIVE. Riders Jess, Emily, Lily, Nathan and Sam manage to hold each other accountable and show up to ride week after week together. Their dedication and commitment inspires us on the daily. And when one of them isn’t there, you can be sure they call the other out on it.

We sat down with them to find out what drives them to stick to their workout goals together and individually, and what ultimately brings them back to The Handle Bar again and again.

Encouragement.

Nathan recently completed a few personal challenges of his own, including a 20 classes in 10 days endeavor. When it got tough toward the end, he found motivation in positive reinforcement from the HB team.

“The last day I was ready to quit…and then I’d see [my instructors] who would say ‘Come on, you’re almost there!’ and got encouraging messages from them. It was great to have the support from everybody.”

Inspiration beyond the bike room.

Jess shared that sometimes, the message from the instructor sticks with her well after the 45 minutes in class.

“There was a class right around the New Year…Sarah Maguire said, ‘think about what happened last year and what you want to do in 2017, and think about what you want to do differently, what you want to keep the same,’ and so on. A lot of times the things that the instructors are saying…it really, really hits home. We take that out of class.”

The best stress reliever.

One of the best parts for Emily is knowing as soon as class starts, the distractions are left at the door.

“When you enter the room, you forget about anything you are stressed out about. Our jobs can be very stressful, as anyone’s is. When you walk into a class, you are completely taken away from that. Any stress, work, life, it’s all gone for 45 minutes to an hour. It’s addictive.”

A new perspective.

Similar to Jess, Sam loves the refreshed sense he feels right after a class, where he often sees life from a different, more positive perspective.

“It helps me observe things in a different light, where I can re-prepare to tackle things that I maybe felt I wasn’t equipped to take on before.”

Positive vibes and a commitment to raising the bar just a little bit every day. That’s all it takes.

]]>https://handlebarcycling.me/2017/04/03/our-community-why-we-ride/feed/0IMG_8761.JPGjbashelorMonthly Mix: April ’17https://handlebarcycling.me/2017/04/03/monthly-mix-april-17/
https://handlebarcycling.me/2017/04/03/monthly-mix-april-17/#respondMon, 03 Apr 2017 18:06:41 +0000http://handlebarcycling.me/?p=3380]]>Spring is here in full force, and so are these new tunes.